A motorcyclist was injured in a collision at a junction where visibility was obstructed by a bank on highway authority land. The authority had considered removing the bank but failed to act. The House of Lords held that the highway authority owed no duty of care for failing to remove the obstruction.

Actus reus can be satisfied by omission where legal duty to act exists

A police officer witnessed a violent assault outside a nightclub but failed to intervene or summon assistance, instead leaving the scene. The Court of Appeal held that wilful neglect of duty by omitting to act can constitute the common law offence of misconduct in public office.

Criminal liability established for murder by omission where duty to act exists

Railway gatekeeper convicted for manslaughter by omission after failing duty

House of Lords establishes liability for omission after creating dangerous situation

No unlawful act manslaughter without mens rea for the underlying unlawful act

A continuing act can constitute assault when mens rea is formed during the act.

State liability extends to legislative acts where breach manifestly and gravely disregards EU law.

Public authorities may owe duties of care when exercising statutory functions.

Unlawful act manslaughter requires no foresight of harm by defendant

Court establishes objective test for dangerous unlawful act in manslaughter cases

Hidden vulnerabilities don't make unlawful act dangerous if unforeseeable to reasonable person

Recklessness includes failing to consider obvious risks that would be apparent to reasonable person.

No duty of care owed during joint criminal enterprise; ex turpi causa bars claim.

Acts must be more than merely preparatory to constitute criminal attempts

Cunningham establishes subjective test for malice in criminal law

Mere presence at scene of crime insufficient for secondary liability without encouragement or assistance

Foresight of consequences is evidence of intention, not intention itself.

Continuing duty to correct representations that become false before contract.

Medical negligence rarely breaks chain of causation in homicide cases

Established the 'more than merely preparatory' test for criminal attempts.

House of Lords clarifies intent requirements for assault causing bodily harm

Theft can occur even when the victim consents to the taking.

Strict liability offence under Medicines Act 1968 requires no mens rea for unlawful supply

House of Lords sets definitive test for gross negligence manslaughter